Jungheinrich and Automha, a subsidiary of Comau, are entering into a strategic partnership. The two companies have jointly developed a two-way pallet shuttle for high-density pallet storage.
The solution combines Automha’s shuttle expertise with Jungheinrich‘s strengths in system integration, software, and lifecycle services. The companies aim to create an economically viable entry point into warehouse automation while creating a development path towards more advanced automation in existing facilities.
“Not every company begins its automation journey with a fully automated warehouse,” said Dr. Tobias Harzer, chief automation officer at Jungheinrich. “What matters is a development path that leverages existing infrastructure while opening the door to further automation. With this solution, customers can start where they are today, gradually develop their material flows and align investments with the growth of their business.”
Shuttle systems provide easy installation
Many companies face the challenge of increasing material flow performance without fundamentally modifying existing buildings or infrastructure. At the same time, requirements for space utilization, productivity, and process reliability continue to grow, noted the partners.
Shuttle systems address these challenges and are therefore becoming increasingly important. The two-way shuttle jointly developed with Automha, the UP-Carrier GTJ, is designed to meet precisely these needs.
The companies specifically developed the solution as an entry point into warehouse automation. It can be integrated into existing warehouse environments and increases storage density without requiring major structural changes.
Initially, pallet transport continues to be handled by industrial trucks. As operational requirements evolve and automation levels increase, transport processes can subsequently be automated. This creates a clear migration path from manually supported operations to a fully automated material flow.
Automha and Jungheinrich see benefits of collaboration
Through the close collaboration between Automha and Jungheinrich, customers benefit from a solution in which shuttle technology, racking systems, conveying technology, software integration and service are optimally coordinated.
The companies said this enables them to plan projects more quickly, implemented them more efficiently, and support them throughout their entire lifecycle by a single partner. The solution can be integrated into existing IT and warehouse environments and, if required, expanded with additional automation technologies such as Jungheinrich Mobile Robots.
With the offering, Jungheinrich said its shuttle portfolio can now support customers across different stages of warehouse development, from existing warehouses to fully automated, high-density pallet storage systems.
While four-way shuttles, such as those offered by partner Movu Robotics, are primarily deployed in fully automated high-performance pallet warehouses, the solution developed with Automha addresses applications in existing warehouse environments and customers seeking a gradual entry into automation.
Today, the system is already deployed in more than 200 projects across over 25 countries.
“This partnership demonstrates how specialized shuttle technology and global integration expertise complement each other,” said Gianni Togni, vice president of sales and marketing of Automha. “Together, we are creating solutions that enable companies to modernise their warehouses in a targeted way and make more efficient use of their existing infrastructure.”